Missouri Cannabis Family Protections for Medical Cannabis Patients
Protections for parents, guardians, and family court participants under Missouri’s medical cannabis laws. This is general information, not legal advice.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Family law issues are fact-specific and vary case by case. For legal advice about your situation, consult a qualified Missouri attorney for current missouri family cannabis protections.
- Family court participants cannot be forced to stop lawful medical marijuana use as a condition of completing a program. .
- A patient’s lawful status and conduct cannot, by itself, be used to restrict custody or parental rights.
- Adoption, custody, and visitation rights cannot be denied solely for conduct permitted under Article XIV.
- Court focus: child safety, safe storage, and no on-duty/parenting-time impairment.
Relevant Missouri Constitutional Language
A family court participant or party who requires treatment for a qualified medical condition shall not be required to refrain from using medical marijuana as a term of successful completion of the program.
The status and conduct of a qualified patient who acts in accordance with this section shall not, by itself, be used to restrict or abridge custodial or parental rights to minor children in any family court, domestic matter, or juvenile proceeding.
A person shall not be denied adoption, custody, or visitation rights relative to a minor solely for conduct permitted by this section.
No person shall be denied their rights under Article I, Section 23 of the Missouri Constitution solely for lawful conduct permitted by this section.
Best Practices for Parents
- Safe storage: Keep cannabis locked, out of sight/reach. Use child-resistant containers.
- No impairment during parenting time: Avoid use before/while supervising children.
- Designated caregiver: If medicating, arrange another sober adult for transport/supervision when needed.
- Transparency: Keep your Patient ID current and readily available.
Documentation to Keep
- Current Patient ID (PDF or printed).
- Clinician certification (especially for alternative/high-dose).
- Any court orders or agreements referencing substance use.
- Proof of safe-storage steps (photos of locked storage, etc.).
If CPS/another party raises concerns
- Calmly provide documentation of lawful patient status.
- Offer to show safe-storage setup; emphasize child safety plan.
- Clarify that any use is off-duty and not during parenting time.
- Consider getting advice from a Missouri family law attorney.
Quick note you can adapt for court/guardian ad litem
Subject: Patient Status & Child Safety Measures I hold a Missouri Medical Marijuana Patient ID for a qualifying medical condition. I do not use or possess cannabis during parenting time and I am never impaired while supervising my child(ren). All products are stored in a locked, child-resistant container out of reach. I am prepared to provide documentation of my Patient ID and safe-storage setup. Please let me know if additional information would be helpful. [Your name] [Case/Division if applicable]
Rules
Employment
Probation & Parole
Consumption Lounges
Parental Consent (PDF)
Patient Authorization (PDF)
Article XIV §1
Article XIV §2
Family Protections — FAQ
Can family court make me stop medical cannabis?
Does having a Patient ID affect custody?
Can adoption or visitation be denied because I’m a patient?
What does the court actually look at?
What should I keep on file?
Where can I find official guidance and forms?
Final Rules (PDF),
the Parental/Guardian Consent (PDF),
and the Patient Authorization (PDF).
Need help with patient cards, forms, or next steps?
Book a quick consult — we’ll review your situation, documents, and safety plan.
Prefer a new tab? Open the booking page.